Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of Chelsea’s game with Sheffield United this afternoon after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring strain.
Frank Lampard had hoped the American would make swift return after pulling up during the warm up ahead of last week’s 3-0 win at Burnley.
He was involved in training in midweek – but further issues mean he will spend more time on the sidelines, with Chelsea’s medical team trying to come up with a way to resolve the problem.
Lampard said: “He's not fit to play, he's still suffering with his hamstring. He’s not training.
“He trained at a low level midweek and wasn’t comfortable. We have to keep looking for the solution.”
This is the second hamstring problem Pulisic has suffered in quick succession after missing the start of the season.
Lampard admits it is a situation Chelsea’s medical staff are having to monitor – but the hope midweek was that he wouldn’t endure a prolonged period out of the team.
Pulisic’s absence means Timo Werner continues in a wide position at a time when Lampard is trying to avoid overloading the in-form striker.
Kai Havertz is also unavailable this weekend as he undergoes a period of isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.
Lampard does not know if the German will be available for his country during the upcoming international break.
“We have to wait until he's symptom free first of all,” he said. “Then when he takes his test, because we'll have to try for him to return a negative test.
“So at the minute it's not decided, it's not clear.”
Chelsea XI: Mendy, James, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Ziyech, Abraham, Werner
Subs: Rudiger, Jorginho, Caballero, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi, Azpilicueta, Emerson Palmieri
Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Stevens, Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Lundstram, Lowe, Brewster, McGoldrick
Subs: McBurnie, Sharp, Burke, Jagielka, Robinson, Verrips, Osborn
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Saturday 5.30pm, Sky Sports
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Last meeting: Sheffield United 3-0 Chelsea
Injured: Pulisic (thigh), Gilmour (knee), Havertz (coronavirus)
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